Radio Star Nick Grimshaw Opens Up About His Unconventional Eating Habits
Welcome back to What's Cooking, Metro's popular food series that offers an exclusive glimpse into the nation's kitchens. This week, we're stepping into the home of one of Britain's most recognisable voices – radio DJ Nick Grimshaw. Known for waking up listeners on both Radio 1 and now Radio 6, the 41-year-old broadcaster has plenty to share about his culinary preferences when he's not on air.
These days, Nick is co-hosting Waitrose's Dish podcast alongside acclaimed chef Angela Hartnett, where he interviews celebrities about everything from crisp flavours to egg preferences. We've turned the tables on Nick to uncover his personal foodie secrets, from bizarre snacks to nostalgic childhood dishes.
The Most Unhinged Thing He Enjoys Eating
"Richard E. Grant was on Dish, and he said he loves Christmas pudding and cheese in a sandwich," Nick reveals. "Initially, you're like ewww, but we made it with a chunk of strong cheddar cheese and, actually, it's delicious. It really works, because essentially you're just eating cheese and fruit, but the ante has been upped."
Food That Transports Him Back to Childhood
When asked about childhood food memories, Nick immediately mentions his mother's cooking. "My mum always makes tater ash (potato hash), which I hated as a kid, but I love now. It's like a yummy casserole with meat, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in gravy, and she'd make a pie crust that you'd have on the side and some braised red cabbage, too."
He also has fond memories of British chip shops. "Chippys also remind me of my childhood. I order chips and curry sauce, and I always crave that when I get home after a trip. Mesh, my boyfriend, finds it weird how much I enjoy it, as he thinks it's a really depressing meal."
Kitchen Staples and Surprising Absences
Nick's fridge always contains one particular item: "A large pot of anchovies is essential for me. Right now, I've got a pot of fresh, marinated anchovy fillets in there that's bigger than my face." His store cupboard must-have is equally distinctive: "A really horrible bar of bitter, dark chocolate. I want something that's about 80% cocoa, and is basically knocking on cooking chocolate's door."
Perhaps most surprisingly, his freezer tells a different story. "My freezer doesn't really have anything in it apart from martini glasses. I would put ice cream in there, but I demolish an entire pint in one sitting." He does have favourite ice cream sources though, mentioning an Argentinian place called Tano and Ottolenghi's Waitrose range.
A Breakfast Show Host's Morning Routine
What does someone who wakes up the nation eat for breakfast? "My dream breakfast is a bowl of cereal with yoghurt and fruit, but I found out last year that I can't eat gluten, which has kind of ruined cereal for me. It's devastating," Nick confesses.
"At the moment, I'm having eggs every day instead. This morning I had an omelette with chicken and a tomato salad. I know chicken for breakfast is weird, but I'm trying to get more protein." His morning also includes a herbal prescription for gut health and adrenal stress, followed by coffee.
Snack Habits and Supermarket Preferences
Nick describes himself as snack-dependent. "I feel like my blood sugar can really plummet, and I end up thinking I've got something drastically wrong with me, but it's actually just that I've not had enough snacks." His top-tier snacks include dates, dark chocolate, peanut butter, and crisps – particularly ready salted, salt & vinegar, and Torres truffle crisps.
When it comes to supermarket shopping, he has clear preferences. "I'll always buy branded classics like Coke, Diet Coke, HP Sauce and Heinz beans, because I think those brands are the best at what they do." However, he's not opposed to own-brand items either, stocking his cupboards with Waitrose spices and rice.
Dinner Traditions and Current Cooking Habits
Growing up with family dinners around the table has influenced Nick's approach to meals. "My family always had dinner together; that was the norm. So, I've got lots of good memories of being around the table and chatting." His main dinner rule now? "I hate people being on their phones at dinner."
Recently, he partnered with Uber Eats and Mowgli to create conversation cards to revive dinner table discussions. "I firmly believe the best meals happen when people are fully present."
Due to his early work schedule, Nick has adjusted his eating times. "Because of my job, I need to be in bed by 10 pm, so I've been trying to cook dinner earlier. I'm eating by like 6:30 pm, which makes me feel like a 90-year-old." His go-to easy meal is a classic jacket potato with butter, salt, grated cheese and baked beans.
